The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-08
ADJUSTMENTS.


GRAND oPERA-HOUsE--"A TRIP TO AFRICA"
]. C. Duffs Comic Opera Company appeared.
for the first time in this city, at the Grand last
night 1t came with reputation justly earned
and widely known Yet but few among the ar-
dience who witnessed its superb presentation of
Won Suppe's opera "A Trip to Africa" were pre-
pared to witness performance of such rare
excellence in all its details Lillian Russell Zelda
Segnin Wallace and Vernona Jarbeau. all Of whom
are with the company, are artists of recognized
prominence, and each has frequently figured
the single stellar attraction. the central figure
OF pretentlous organizations, or which their
names sufficed to guarantee strength. There
fore when those three stars are combined in
company essaying the production of lighter class
opera, augmented as they are by the competent
assistance of numerous others almost promi-
nent and scarcely less proficient the highest ex-
pectation will not be followed by disappoint-
ment If both troupe and opera were new to
Indianapolis yesterday they have beer given
pleasant introduction and cordial welcome, for
the performance was received with satisfaction
that could not have been awakened by one less
meritorious. Miss Lillian Russell appeared to
splendid advantage as Titania. She is by COM
mon consent one of the most beautiful women on
the stage, and her personal attractiveness is no
more pronounced than is the superior quality of
her excellently trained voice Had she been de-
void Of the good looks that have made her ia
nous. her voice and her merit as an artistic
would have established her none the less firmly
than she is to- day. AS it is, she combines the
beautiful with the artistic-qualties that
are seldom combined high degree. Mrs
Zelda Seguin Wallace is pre-emlnently the best
contralto now singing in America, and needs no
commentator to this public, by whom she is
known professionally, and, by many, socially tits
everywhere accepted as certain that where her
name appears in caste the part assigned her
has been we'll sung and well acted She was
given hearty reception last night and, as
usual, delighted her friends Buccametta a
part however, affording far less opportunity
than her abilities Justify. Vernona Jarbeau
sung with understanding and appeared as
sprighily as ever as Tessa, and Miss Cieye-
land did nicely Sibil. j. III. RILEY
made an excellent impression as Fanfani Pasha.
Mr.. Hilliard has good tenor voice. which was
heard to good advantage. and Mr.. DUNCAN did
we'll the part OF Miradllo
The scenic effects decidedly unusual for
an opera company, SURPRISING quite the scenery
presented by many companies that make it their
chief feature. while the chorus is large and we'll
trained. The engagement continues tonight
and to morrow night, last nights bill being re-
peated. while at the matinee tomorrow 40
lanthen will be given.
MUsEuM-MIss JENNIE cALEF.
Miss Jennie Calef popular protean actress,
began weeks engagement at the Museum yes
terday, and drew large audiences both afternoon
and evening. She appeared in her new play
IAN American Princess which proved to be q
drama or strong interest ana mucn originality
In the part of the Princess Miss Calef displayed
much cleverness and grace, and introduced son gs
and specialtes with good effect. Her supporting
| company is capable one. Miss Anna Mortland,
| of this city, made hit in the part OF Lady
| Dunmore This play will be repeated Wednes-
day and Friday. Tomorrow ani Saturday lit
tie Detective" will be given. and Thursday
! Little Muffets."
/ NOTES.
| Messrs. Robson and Crane, who have won pub
! lie favor by reviving such old plays as comedy
| Of Errors" merry Wives of Windsor" and .She
Stoops to Conquer" and presenting them with
elaborate scenery and wonderful mechanical
effects. viii shortly appear in Indianapolis with
their excellent company and give four per
! formances
The engagement of the Madison. SQUARE
| Theatre Company in Saints and Sinners, al
the Grand the latter part of this week will be @
notable one. for the play is of the greatest Of
recent dramatic successes having had contin
uous run of seven months in New York, and the
company ls. in many respects. the strongest tia
mas played here including such talented people
as the veteran c. w. Couldock, Miss Viola al
len. Mr.. Leslie Allen. Miss Sidney Cowel Mr.
Raymond Holmes and others. The advance sal
of seats viii begin at the box Office Of the theatre
this morning and promises TO be large